Integral order photonic RF and microwave signal processors based on soliton crystal Kerr micro-combs

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates advanced RF signal processing functions using soliton crystal micro-combs, showcasing their potential for compact, versatile, and high-bandwidth photonic RF systems.

Contribution

It introduces integral order RF processing functions based on soliton crystal micro-combs, including a Hilbert transformer and differentiators, with analysis of design tradeoffs.

Findings

Successful implementation of RF functions like Hilbert transform and differentiation.

Analysis of tradeoffs with comb spacing and tap design methods.

Comparison of results achieved with different shaping techniques.

Abstract

Soliton crystal micro-combs are powerful tools as sources of multiple wavelength channels for radio frequency (RF) signal processing. They offer a compact device footprint, large numbers of wavelengths, very high versatility, and wide Nyquist bandwidths. Here, we demonstrate integral order RF signal processing functions based on a soliton crystal micro-comb, including a Hilbert transformer and first- to third-order differentiators. We compare and contrast results achieved and the tradeoffs involved with varying comb spacing, tap design methods, as well as shaping methods.